Studies on Ion-Exchange Properties of Polyaniline Zr(IV) Tungstoiodophosphate Nanocomposite Ion Exchanger

Abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials prepared by sol-gel approach have attracted a great deal of attention in material science. Organic polymeric part of the composite provides mechanical and chemical stability whereas the inorganic part supports the ion-exchange behaviour and thermal stability and also increases the electrical conductivity. Such modified composite materials can be applied as an electrochemically switchable ion exchanger for water treatment, especially water softening. Polyaniline zirconium(IV) tungstoiodophosphate nanocomposite ion exchanger is prepared by sol-gel method. Polyaniline zirconium(IV) tungstoiodophosphate nanocomposite ion exchanger is synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectra, ultraviolet-visible spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ion exchange, conductivity, and antimicrobial studies. A mechanism for the formation of the polyaniline zirconium(IV) tungstoiodophosphate nanocomposite ion exchanger was discussed. The route reported here may be used for the preparation of other nanocomposite ion exchangers.